2. Fear of social media  - There are valid reasons to be a cautious about increasing your social networking activity. Feelings of being exposed, and the fear of compromising your privacy are the most common ones I hear. The reality is that there probably is more information about you on the web than you are aware of. When was the last time you did a Google search of your name? By setting up your own social media profiles, you can start to control what comes up if someone searches for you. If you don’t come up at all, not only does this represent you in a   negative light to recruiters (According to Execunet, 70% of hiring managers rejected candidates due to little or no information about you online or if there is digital dirt, unsavory and inappropriate material online). In fact the saying goes, if you can’t be found on Google, you don’t exist. By establishing your presence online via various social networking sites, you are leveraging your voice and taking control of your brand and message that people will find. Inversely, without using these tools, you can do little to manage the information that might come up in a Google search.  The numbers speak for themselves: 86% of hiring managers said candidates with a good online reputation can positively influence their application

3. Fear of putting your photo on LinkedIn: In almost every group I present to on LinkedIn, there is always a small, but diverse group of people who are leery of putting their photo up.  Underlying your fear of putting a photo on LinkedIn is possible fear of discrimination, lack of confidence, or heightened self-consciousness, or strong preference towards privacy. Well, if it’s any of the last three, I say, get over it. Regarding fear of discrimination, whether it’s race, gender, age or ethnicity, while these are certainly all prevalent to degree in our society, I don’t believe it will be the only reason you didn’t get the job. I have a number of successful 60+ clients who have landed work, simply due to their level of persistence and the fact that they were the best people for the job.  If you aren’t convinced yet, read this: having a photo on LinkedIn is essential to getting to 100% (critical for a truly optimized profile that lead to you coming up in more searches). In fact, according to LinkedIn research, your profile is 9 times more likely to be viewed if you have a photo of yourself. Just smile, and you’ll look beautiful.

4. Fear of reaching out. Social networking sites have transformed the job search process. The potential to reach out and connect with relevant people in your field that you would not normally connect to is possible via LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, as well as many other forms of social media. So why are so many people not doing it?  It seems to be well understood that job searching is about networking, and here the opportunity to network is offered up, ostensibly free of charge to connect to almost anyone you want to. If referral is the most successful form of getting you hired today, then every job seeker or career changer needs get over this fear of reaching out and work on expanding their networks with key people who can help them land their next job. It is simply a matter of making the effort to find those people on these networks, and then crafting a short and compelling note asking them for some quick advise. It can be as simple as this:

“Dear Michael,
I was intrigued by your background and experience and I was wondering if you could spare a few minutes to give me some advice about your industry/ company etc.
Thank you,
Donna
If you are writing to them via LinkedIn, they can take a look at your profile if they want to know more, which they most likely will.
 

Ok. Done!… Are you cured of your fears now?

Below, I have listed a couple of  websites that provide information on what type of volunteer opportunities are available this weekend in lieu of MLK day, but you also might find other opportunities for a longer term commitment.  Do you have any plans to do something meaningful this weekend?

Here are 15 great reasons to start volunteering today:

Make a positive and meaningful contribution to a cause that you value and care about.
It will get you out of the house.
You’ll feel better about yourself and get a shot of confidence if that is what you are missing after having been unemployed for a while

Start Volunteering today:

Careerfolk Resources to Volunteer Opportunities

US Government Website for MLK Day information and service opportunities
Drop us a line if you have some positive experiences to share from your volunteer roles. Thank you!

So, pay-it forward and put some good will out there this holiday season, everyone will be very grateful and you won’t be forgotten.  A win-win for all. Cost:  Priceless

I invite you to share your thoughts about networking during the holiday season. Have you met any interesting people? Did you invite them to connect? Its not too late. Please comment below or on our facebook page, click here

If you are actively in the job search you no doubt get notifications of networking events.  Hopefully you go to them, learn something from them, and make new contacts.  Why go alone? Why not always ask at least three people to join you?  These need not be good friends; they can simply be people you have met at other networking functions, or contacts you have made.  Some people need a little push to go to activities that may be helpful to them and some may not be as much in the loop about finding these events.  With this little effort on your part, you not only are helping three other people, but you yourself will feel a greater comfort level at the events because you will know at least a few people in the room.

Thank you Camille Kramer for her suggestions. I couldn’t agree with you more.  A win- win for both! Cost: Priceless

Positivity is infectious and the more positive energy you exude, the more others will be inclined to want to talk with you and help you. Taking along your positive attitude might also help someone else who isn’t feeling so good. And if you need a little pick me up, see how other people do it at the Happiness Project or the Positivity Blog. Sometimes, it’s just getting out of the house and being around others that can help you forget about your woes for the time being.

A holiday party, for instance, is a time to put aside those anxieties, relax and make the most of being around old friends, new friends, fellow job seekers and who knows who else, right? Make the decision to show up with the most positive and open mind because the chances of you leaving feeling even better is directly correlated to your positive approach.  Alternatively, take a friend or two to your next party, particularly if you know someone who does not get out enough right now and needs to do more networking, because, the more the merrier when spreading good cheer.

The Gift of Positivity – Cost:Priceless

Who do you know you can share this gift with? Please share with us. Thanks

1. A Mindset of Giving

Networking is about building relationships, meaningful conversation, asking questions and listening. Engaging with purpose and intention. What a gift. Seems obvious, right,, but one of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is going into it with the mindset of “what can I get out of this?” No doubt, having a clear set of goals and what you want to gain from your networking efforts is very important, but that is not what it’s all about. A common assumption is the thinking that you don’t have anything to give back, particularly if you are not working. This is not true at all and in fact if you go into any environment where you are going to have the opportunity to connect with people, focusing on how you might be able to help someone else is what can really propel your networking efforts forward.

A mindset of giving is the foundation of truly successful networking. Developing your reputation as someone who is interested, helpful, and trustworthy will lead the way for others to willingly and generously want to help you in times of need. If this was not your understanding of networking before, what better time to start.  Two Gifts for the price of $0. Priceless.

Can you think of gift you would like to share with others this December? Please comment below, or if you would like to email me your thoughts – I would be happy to publish them here.  I welcome your contribution to my 21 days of creative giving this December.

For those reading this, who live close to my office in Stamford, CT I invite you for a lively and hopefully engaging discussion on the mindset of Networking. I know so many people still need to work on this, I hope you will join me. Read more about the Careerfolk Cafe on Tuesday 12/13 at 9.45. Networking and coffee at 9.30. I hope you can make it.

From our perspective, we see Twitter as a:

-networking barrier buster

-brand builder

-immediate access to job postings

-insider’s perspective on corporate culture

-platform to position/promote your ideas

-access to otherwise inaccessible influencers

-SEO supercharger…real time research tool

These are just a few thoughts that I have heard from my colleagues around the country, and authors of The Twitter Job Search Guide say.

Why should you care?

Let me introduce you to Shannon Lowder. I have only known Shannon for about 2 weeks. I happened to see something he had written about how to use Twitter and I quoted him. I had no idea who he was, and didn’t seek him out either. Instead he found me (via Twitter) to thank me for quoting him. He was both gracious and incredibly generous- he offered to share with me how Twitter has helped him so it can be of help to others. Here’s a great story of GOOD CAREER KARMA….and some great reasons to use Twitter (whether you are working or not)

How Twitter has helped me, by Shannon Lowder

Late last year, I went to a SQL event, and everyone was talking about twitter. A couple of the speakers mentioned the #sqlhelp hash tag. This tag was built to ask and answer questions about SQL Server. I started following it. Those people who answered most often I started following. I also occasionally ask and answer questions using that tag as well.

After I started following those leaders, some followed back. Many more started following after I set my blog to automatically tweet when I released a new blog entry. The titles of my blog entries enticed them to read, and then to follow me.

Then I found out about #sqljobs. A listing of jobs people in the community find out about. (it has grown to include some recruiters directly) Now every time I hear about a SQL job, I share it there. I’ve made a couple connections here in Charlotte, NC. 3 people have taken jobs that started from one of my tweets! The extra bonus: I was paid $500 for those referrals.

I plan on expanding my interaction with helping people get new jobs. I’m working with some programmers in my network to built a custom twitter tool that will help manage the jobs I know about. This tool will merge some features of a CRM with any social API we can tie in. That way I can share my blog entries to people who are looking for work, as well as try to connect those users to good jobs. It’s a win-win!”

Read Shannon’s great article: 10 Ways to Use Twitter to Get Recruiters’ Attention

Now, I know what many of you must be thinking: “Well he’s a tech guy, so Twitter is easy for him.” The biggest myth is that you have to be media savvy to use Twitter. Believe it or not but it really is quite user friendly.

In this crazy roller coaster job market, can you afford not to try everything you possibly could to land a great job.

We’ll be going in-depth into Twitter and covering EVERYTHING you need to know to help you  -stand out in the crowd,

-Gain access to the hidden job market,

-find networking communities

_set up a simple, yet informative, branded profile, with a link to your resume.

and much much more.

Tough times call for creative measures, and Twitter is one of the most creative and innovative job search tool there is.

If you can’t make it, and you prefer to read the book, that I reference all the time, The Twitter Job Search Guide. I was one of the contributing writers to this book. There is so much in it, I would highly encourage you to get it. But if you aren’t going to read the book,

Join me for a crash course in Twitter. You’ll be shocked at how much there is to know and learn. I dare you!

Register Here or learn more at this link.

If you can’t make it tomorrow, I’ll certainly be doing others so email us and let me know if you want to know about future workshops.

It’s important, and considering how tough things are in the market right now,  job seekers and career changers need to be thinking creatively.

Please let me know if you have used Twitter, or if you have questions, comment below, or email us at info @  careerfolk.com

We look forward to ushering you into this new and revolutionary tool! It certainly has revolutionized the way people manage their careers. Let it help yours.

I would like to say THANK YOU by throwing a Coaching Special Offer into the CyberMonday craziness.  Instead of buying a gift that might end up in a closet, consider a gift that will last a lifetime. Whether for you, or someone you love, this investment will pay for itself. Many people do not realize the profound benefits career counseling and coaching can provide.  Career coaching is a gift to offers SELF-CONFIDENCE, CLARITY, HOPE, MEANING or PURPOSE.  Priceless! Absolutely! But there is a small investment to make it happen: Instead of $185 for my Power Hour session, it is available for  $160 this week (through December 3^rd) and must be scheduled before January 31, 2011. In addition mention this Ad and get 10% of any package through December 31^st. Claim your Power Hour Now or email donna @ careerfolk.com if you have any questions.

What is a Power Hour

In this session, we will laser-in on your specific question that relate to your job search or career transition? This coaching session could be helpful if you need help

• Analyzing your online identity or get you set up on LinkedIn, Twitter or Visual CV
• Reviewing your resume
• Not winning in the interview? -Identifying how you can improve your interview skills.
• Making a decision about future educational endeavors
• Stuck with where to network, next, lets jumpstart your networking action plan with the social media power tools.
• Where are you stuck?  Bring your challenge  and let me help you move forward.

Create A Mindset of Giving This Season – How to turn your Networking into a gift

It is indeed the season and stress abounds. While in the past, you wouldn’t have given it a second thought, many people find themselves managing a very tight budget, as one or even two household incomes have disappeared or shrunk. Going forward for the next month, I want to propose a different mindset of giving.  Last year many of my readers were intrigued that you could make a gift out of networking.  Networking remains one of the most important strategies for landing your next job, I want to remind everyone that they can create their own unique gift that could prove priceless to the right recipient.  Networking is about building relationships, meaningful conversation, asking questions and listening so why not use this December to practice the Gift of Networking.

Seems obvious, right, but one of the biggest mistakes people make is going in with the wrong mindset. Too many people still approach networking with a “what can I get out of this?” attitude.  Of course, having a clear set of goals of what you want to gain from your networking efforts is very important, but that should not be the only motive. A common assumption is thinking that you don’t have anything to give back, espeically if you are not working. This is not true at all and in fact if you go into any setting where you have the opportunity to connect with people, focusing on how you might be able to help someone else is what can really propel your networking efforts forward.

A mindset of giving is the foundation of truly successful networking. Developing your reputation as someone who is interested, helpful, and trustworthy will lead the way for others to willingly and generously want to help you in times of need. If this was not your understanding of networking, what better time to start?

Gratitude Project

Feeling very grateful for everything that I am blessed with, I was inspired to start my own Gratitude project.   We spend only one day saying thanks every November, yet there are in fact so many things to be grateful for, so the first part of my Gratitude project is to devote the next 30 days highlighting some of the phenomenal tools and strategies out in the universe that job seekers can be thankful for making their job search or career changes easier. I also want to remind job seekers that giving doesn’t have to cost anything. Just giving of yourself is of great value. Giving of yourself during the holiday season could also be the remedy you need to uplift your spirits, or lead to an opportunity that could expand your job prospects. How can you give of yourself this holiday season?

The second part of my  Gratitude Project involves a truly inspiring organization Charity: Water that is a powerful reminder of how lucky we are. I am going to donate 10% for every new full package booking I receive from now until December 31^st. I would also encourage you to visit their website,www.charitywater.org if you want to see what is truly possible.

What are you thankful for in your job search? Please share your thoughts about what you are most grateful for while you seek your next career or job opportunity? I look forward to reading your comments, you never know what someone can learn from you.

Job searching is serious business, right? That’s why I want to share with you how Twitter has actually made it easier for job seekers believe it or not! Your next job might be 200 Tweets away  – it was for Brandon Savage, who literally did find his job via Twitter.I know the majority of you out there are skeptics and that’s why this is such an important post to write.

For the uninitiated, Twitter, is quite perplexing, in fact I think it might be one the most misunderstood tools on the web. Granted, its’ name does not suggest anything serious and I am sure this might be where many get stuck. Whenever I read an article mentioning its relevance, or ask a non-user what they know about it, there is almost always reference to its more casual and inane usage- Yes, we don’t care what you ate for breakfast, unless it was with Nelson Mandela.

After talking with a lot of people about their Twitter hang-ups I realized there are five myths clouding people’s impressions and precluding their exploration of this highly compelling tool. If the number of passionate professionals using is any indication, then Twitter is much more than just frivolous banter.

1. Twitter is an inane and frivolous activity and a waste of time.

Okay, getting serious now Twitter is not just fun and games. In fact, if you use it with intention and purpose- to secure or share specific and current information- you just might find it can be a very effective way to connect and network with new people in your field, or career of interest.  For the millions of people who have been drawn in by its real-time, cutting edge, social networking technology, Twitter can be job search or business networking on steroids, expanding your networking abilities and business outreach capacity beyond what you ever imagined.

Who would have though that “Tweeting” would have played a key role in alleviating political crises in Madagascar or Iran.  While there certainly may be some childlike, whimsical activity going on, there is also a whole lot of serious information being exchanged too, only it is in digital form, and it’s infectious, in a good way.

Twitter, along with other social networking tools is revolutionizing how people job search, network and share information. Within a five-minute time span, I watched over HUNDREDS of jobs be posted live on Twitter. If used strategically, and pay attention to the time, Twitter can be an incredible time saver. Time is of the essence when you are in job search, and the fact that you can receive targeted and current job openings, in real-time, to your phone or computer, instead of wasting time on a job board is invaluable.

2. Twitter is only for social media savvy people

Of all the social networking sites, believe it or not, Twitter is the least demanding in terms of “figuring it out”. Of course, like any new tool, it takes some getting used to, but after observing how it works, it is quite literally plug and play. And, anyway, are you saying that you have given up learning new things?  In today’s ever-changing world, there really isn’t room for that type of thinking, unless you are ready to retire from life!  Everyone has to start somewhere, and in fact the new job search paradigm obliges everyone to learn a new approach to promoting him or herself in the marketplace. The social media is integral to this process, and as one of my “boomer” clients accurately corrected me the other day when I said this technology is about the future, he corrected me: “No, it’s the present!”

3. You’re too old for Twitter.

If you are too old to learn something new, expand your network, or meet new and interesting people, then, yes, Twitter is not for you. But if you don’t let your age impede your professional development, then Twitter is absolutely a tool for everyone. Just like my client I mentioned above, he is putting himself out there and absorbing as much as possible and he is finding it exhilarating. Something I say to every job seeker who uses age as an excuse, “It’s mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. Ironically, I have younger clients ask me, “Isn’t Twitter for older folks” while the older ones suggest the opposite. Either way, if you want to be first to hear about the ideal job, Twitter might be where you find it. Can you afford to not be there?

4. What on earth has Twitter got to do with me Job Search or Business?

Everything actually! In many ways, it’s the brand new job board. Recruiters love it, so who’s arguing? Plug in any keyword into the twitter search mechanism and you might be quite surprised see what comes up in relation to your interest. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Sarah Needleman agrees that  “A new job is  “Just a tweet away” mentioning that “many big companies, including Microsoft Corp., Verizon Communications Inc.,    and Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks, now list job openings on Twitter “

For me, the final proof that Twitter is now considered legitimate by the business Community is Linkedin’s partnership with the blue bird. As the defacto number one online networking tool for professionals, this is quite a bold move.

Then again, you just need to take a look at the numbers on Tweetmyjobs.com, the  world’s largest Twitter Job Board: In 30 days: 350,553 job tweets, in just one hour: 3,723.

5. I won’t be able to protect my privacy

In the new world of Social Media, privacy is probably an oxymoron, but then again, there was identity theft long before Twitter and other social networking sites were invented.  The point is that while participating on Twitter is an “anything goes” roof party, or if you wish, London’s (in)famous “Speakers Corner” the fact that all powerful Google can find almost anything, people will be “listening” to what you say,   so  tweet wisely. That being said, Twitter, like all the sites, you can establish your Privacy Settings so that your profile and tweets  are protected from random spam, followers, and anybody you don’t want to associate with. You have a choice of how public you want your twitter profile to be, if at all.  Certainly set these up if you prefer, but maintain a highly professional presence, no matter what. Social media is viral, by nature, and you never know what will make it out into the Google sphere of influence!

Ultimately, everything that you do online today is trackable, however the benefits of participating in the conversation so that you can ultimately expand your professional networking capabilities and connect with people you may not have other, far outweigh the negatives, of a little spam, or not being found online at all.

The Twitter Job Search Guide promises to be great… You can buy it here. But if you need a little hand holding in order to get on, and make the most of it. Give me a shout, or sign up for my next Twitter for Job Search Webinar on April 13^th